Gonzales Louisiana Travel, Attractions and Things to Do

Location of Gonzales Louisiana

Gonzales is located a short distance from Baton Rouge on Interstate Highway I-10 in Ascension Parish. Many people who work in Baton Rouge live in the many new subdivisions and developments around Gonzales.

Gonzales is one of the fastest growing communities in the State of Louisiana and has become a major economic factor in the Greater Baton Rouge Capital Region. Gonzales is now the commercial hub of Ascension Parish as well as the largest municipality in the parish. Gonzales enjoys a prime location near the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast with strong rail and highway connections linking it to the world.

In 1881, a Spanish immigrant, "Tee Joe" Gonzales gave the city its name by forming a new community on his cornfield.

Nearby communities include Prairieville, St. Gabriel, Duplessis, St. Amant, Sorrento, Burnside, Galvez, French Settlement, Port Vincent, Carville, Convent, and Head of Island.

Also at the outlet center are a variety of dining options, including Chili's, Cracker Barrel, Wendy's, and Starbuck's Coffee.

Cabela's Outfitters also operates a large retail store in Gonzales.The 165,000-square-foot retail showroom is an educational and entertainment attraction, featuring a décor of museum-quality animal displays, huge aquariums and trophy animals interacting in realistic re-creations of their natural habitats.

Cabela's is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate Highway I-10 and Louisiana Highway 30. Phone 225.743.3400 for details and information on the calendar and special events.

Cabela's, Gonzales, Louisiana (photo courtesy of Cabela's Outfitters)

Gonzales is known as the "Jambalaya Capital of the World" and the site of the Jambalaya Festival each Memorial Day weekend.

The Jambalaya Festival Association, chartered in 1967, each year celebrates the annual Jamblaya Festival. In addition to world champion jambalaya served daily, the festival is a showcase of food, fun, music and activities for the entire family.

A dozen or more area historic plantations are open for tours, including Houmas House, Oak Alley and Nottoway Plantation.

The Tee Joe Gonzales Museum offers visitors a chance to the home of the founding father of Gonzales. The home sits on the original site along New River and features furniture, pictures, clothing and much more. It focuses on the life and struggles of the early settlers. The museum is open by appointment only.

Swamp Tours in the Atchafalaya Basin

One of the most popular things to do in Louisiana is touring the swamps! Most tours are concentrated in South Louisiana.

The area between Lafayette and Baton Rouge offers a number of swamp tours, operating from communities such as Breaux Bridge, Henderson, St. Martinvile and Plaquemine.